Aseptic Tank Closure With Sterilizing Fluid Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank containers lack reliable aseptic sealing, particularly during long transports under adverse conditions, allowing germ penetration through connections like manhole assemblies, which compromises the quality of perishable goods like orange juice.
Innovation Solution
A closure arrangement featuring a germ barrier formed by an outer and inner seal ring with a sterilizing fluid chamber between them, which neutralizes germs and prevents ingress, using a sterilizing fluid that can be supplied and circulated to maintain aseptic conditions, and optionally includes a labyrinthine design to further hinder germ passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber or PTFE seals are used in manhole assemblies, then the sealing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seals have porosity and cannot reliably prevent germ penetration during long transports
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent components: an outer seal ring and an inner seal ring, each performing specific functions. The outer seal ring prevents gross contamination while the inner seal ring provides the primary germ barrier. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A disinfecting fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the two sealing rings. This fluid actively neutralizes germs that attempt to penetrate through the sealing system, providing an additional layer of protection beyond passive mechanical sealing. The fluid acts as a mediator that enhances the germ barrier function of the sealing structure.
2Reliability
If double seals with monitoring space are used as in DE 44 25 396 A1, then leakage detection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and does not provide active germ neutralization
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfecting fluid serves as an active intermediary that not only detects leakage through pressure changes but also actively neutralizes germs. Unlike conventional monitoring systems that only detect leaks, this fluid provides both detection and remediation functions, enhancing reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfecting fluid performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a leakage detection medium through pressure monitoring, serves as a germ barrier, and provides active disinfection. This multi-functionality consolidates several protective mechanisms into a single integrated system, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional seals are used without additional protection, then the structure is simple, but germs can penetrate through porosity during long transports under adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfecting fluid is pre-positioned in the space between the sealing rings before transport begins. This preliminary action ensures that the germ barrier is already in place and active before any contamination can occur, providing proactive protection rather than reactive response. The fluid is ready to neutralize germs immediately upon contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfecting fluid acts as a cushioning protection against germ penetration. By having this protective medium in place beforehand, the system compensates for the inherent porosity of conventional seals, creating a safety margin that prevents germ ingress even when the mechanical seals are compromised.
4Reliability
If the sealing rings are positioned close together to define maximum extension of germ barrier, then the germ barrier effectiveness is improved, but the space for fluid circulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfecting fluid concentration and circulation characteristics are optimized locally within the constrained space between the sealing rings. The fluid is circulated in a controlled manner that maximizes its germ-neutralizing effect within the limited volume, ensuring effective protection even in the compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfecting fluid is continuously circulated between the sealing rings, ensuring that its germ barrier function is maintained constantly. This continuous circulation compensates for the limited volume by ensuring fresh disinfecting fluid is always present at the sealing interface, maintaining effectiveness without requiring large fluid reservoirs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The closure arrangement effectively prevents germ contamination within the tank, maintaining the aseptic condition and ensuring the quality of transported goods by neutralizing germs and maintaining overpressure to prevent external penetration.
Implementation Method 1
neutralizes germs entering from the outside through pressure fluctuations or leaks
Implementation Method 2
a sterilizing fluid that runs between the two sealing rings and between the first and second sealing areas
Implementation Method 3
pressurize the chamber with a suitable gas, so that the overpressure also ensures that no germs can penetrate from the outside into the intermediate space or further into the tank interior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a closing assembly for a vessel, in particular for a tank container (1), comprising a first sealing region (27) that surrounds a vessel opening (24) and a lid (20) that covers the vessel opening. The lid has a second sealing region (28) that corresponds to the first sealing region (27). A sealing assembly (29, 30, 31, 32) that extends between the first and second sealing regions is provided. The sealing assembly has an outer and an inner sealing ring (31, 32), which rings form an intermediate space that comprises a germ barrier (35, 38, 39). The invention further relates to a method for aseptically transporting foods, in particular orange juice, comprising the following steps: providing a transport vessel, in particular a tank container (1) having a closing assembly according to the invention; filling the transport vessel with liquid food; transporting the transport vessel; and draining the transport vessel.